BJP Defends absence of its CMs at NIC Meet

Chouhan came to the NIC meeting but left after giving his speech. He had informed the Centre that he has to rush back to his state and was asked out of turn to speak.

Raman Singh and Chouhan are busy due to coming assembly elections in their state.

Congress also did not let go this opportunity to hit out at BJP.

"It shows the scant respect the national leaders of the BJP have on national issues. NIC is a 147-member high powered committee in the country. (Someone who wants to be) future leader does not find time for the meeting," Congress spokesperson P C Chacko told reporters.

Chacko said the absence of some BJP Chief Ministers including Modi was "most unfortunate" and showed their "utter disrespect" to the national issues. He said if they had boycotted, then "we would have stronger words to say".

Asked about Modi's absence, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said "if a person doesn't come, he is better suited to explain. If you believe in harmony, integration, then, you would come to such an event."